Research

Practise what you teach: Lessons learnt by newly appointed lecturers in medical education

C van Wyk, M M Nel, G J van Zyl

Abstract


Background. This article reports on research conducted on the orientation, support and continued development of lecturers in medical education, which took place at a South African (SA) university.

Objectives. To provide insights that are relevant for faculty developers and senior leadership, and evidence for reconsidering approaches to faculty development initiatives for newly appointed lecturers.

Methods. New lecturers’ experiences of a well-established orientation course were explored qualitatively using focus group interviews. Participants’ responses were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results. On entering the programme, participants generally reported having no or little prior teaching experience. Participants’ experiences revealed that an orientation structure is context sensitive and a centralised approach strengthened collegial relationships, but that decentralisation could be considered in medical education orientation. We found that education instruction that allows for active engagement between instructors and peers elicited positive responses. Furthermore, our approach to orientation cultivated a sense of accountability in new staff members to continue their participation in faculty development.

Conclusions. The findings suggest that successful and up-to-date orientation initiatives are indispensable. However, more research should be done in our context and we recommend collaborating with other SA universities in future research endeavours.


Authors' affiliations

C van Wyk, Division Health Sciences Education, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

M M Nel, Division Health Sciences Education, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

G J van Zyl, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Full Text

PDF (127KB)

Keywords

Newly appointed lecturer; Orientation; Faculty development; Career development; Medical education

Cite this article

African Journal of Health Professions Education 2019;11(2):47-52. DOI:10.7196/AJHPE.2019.v11i2.1115

Article History

Date submitted: 2019-06-28
Date published: 2019-06-28

Article Views

Abstract views: 6082
Full text views: 2643

Comments on this article

*Read our policy for posting comments here